Fern Creek High School Welcomes Congressman Morgan McGarvey
Fern Creek High School (FCHS) welcomed Congressman Morgan McGarvey on October 16, 2024, for an insightful tour highlighting the school's groundbreaking initiatives and student achievements. The visit, which lasted from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, offered a comprehensive look at FCHS's commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Cell-Phone Free Policy: Enhancing Safety and Focus
The tour began with an overview of FCHS's cell-phone free policy, implemented to create a more focused learning environment. Principal Dr. Nicolas and Assistant Principal Ken Christian discussed the implementation of this policy, explaining that while initial parental concerns centered around safety, first responders actually view the policy as enhancing school security by preventing communication overload during potential crises. With 1,750 pouches purchased, the school has fully embraced this transformative approach to classroom engagement.
Ivy Plus: Broadening Horizons
Mr. Baker presented the Ivy Plus program, a college matching initiative that has significantly impacted FCHS students' academic trajectories. The program aims to prevent "undermatching," a phenomenon where high-achieving students attend less selective colleges, potentially hindering their graduation prospects. FCHS's commitment to this program is evident in the impressive statistic of students being accepted to 160 colleges and universities, with 42 college visits to the school this year alone.
Classroom Visits: Witnessing Innovation in Action
Congressman McGarvey's tour included visits to several classrooms, each showcasing FCHS's diverse and engaging curriculum:
Computer Science Class with Mr. Tennyson: Students shared their favorite projects and the positive impact of the cell-phone free policy. Mr. Tennyson, a veteran, discussed how his military experience enhances his teaching approach.
Mr. Colon's Class: The congressman observed students collaboratively working on projects, noting the focused atmosphere reminiscent of his own school days. He remarked, "This is what class was like when I was in school."
Fire Science Demonstration: In Mr. Lamaster's class, students presented a fire science demonstration, highlighting FCHS's Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings.
Academies of Louisville: Preparing Students for Future Success
Mrs. Abell provided an overview of the Academies of Louisville, emphasizing FCHS's commitment to preparing students for both college and career paths. This innovative approach aligns with the school's mission to provide comprehensive, real-world education experiences.
Student Engagement: A Highlight of the Visit
Throughout the tour, FCHS student ambassadors Destyn, Janiya, Parker, and McKenzie played a crucial role in welcoming and guiding Congressman McGarvey. Their involvement underscores the school's commitment to student leadership and engagement. As Mr. Baker aptly stated during his remarks, “We have amazing kids in an amazing support system.”
Congressman McGarvey's visit to Fern Creek High School showcased a learning environment where innovation, engagement, and student success are at the forefront. From the cell-phone free policy to the Ivy Plus program and the Academies of Louisville, FCHS continues to demonstrate its dedication to preparing students for bright futures in an ever-changing world.
